Chichiri inmates gain entrepreneurship skills

BY ZILIRO MCHULU,

CITIZEN JOURNALIST:

Inspiration Koner, A youth led organisation, has drilled inmates at Chichiri Prison in Blantyre with entrepreneurial skills that might come in handy when they start life after prison.

One of its founders, Wituly Mwenitete, said the training was crucial as people in prisons will utilise them to survive.

“Prisoners have a right to learn any skill that can help them once they are released, to make money like everybody else,” she said.

The inmates were trained in making bags, earrings and bangles using locally available resources such as plastic bags and bottles as well as wrapping shoes with cloth, used cartons and jewels.

Chichiri Prison spokesperson Damiano Fanuel thanked the prison management for allowing the organisation to engage the prisoners.

“Prison as a department is on a mission to make sure that offenders are fully reformed at the end of their sentences hence the introduction of various reformation and rehabilitation programmes. The only difference is that Inspiration Koner has brought a new item on the menu,” he said.

Around the premises, some prisoners were seen fixing cars while others were selling fried fish, locally known as kanyenya.

Inspiration Koner was founded in 2014 by Walusungu Ngulube and Mwenitete with an aim of equipping the youth with skills and creating a platform for them to excel in life.